P’town for New Year’s: The Perfect Place for New Resolutions

PROVINCETOWN, MA - Many local residents and frequent visitors to Provincetown, Massachusetts know that getting reservations early for New Year’s Eve is essential to celebrate in the town known as "America’s First Destination." But others know a deeper secret; Ptown is the perfect place to start resolutions.

The town’s diversity and its acceptance of all lifestyles and beliefs make it a rare haven, where resolutions can be made, strengthened and maintained. Offering its inspirational town as a venue to kick off the New Year, the Provincetown Tourism Office suggests these lucky 7 resolutions for personal growth during 2013.

1. Follow the path of famous artists and writers. Provincetown served as the source of inspiration for Tennessee Williams, Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, Eugene O’Neill and Edward Hopper. As the nation’s oldest art colony, Provincetown continues to encourage and stimulate new artists. With institutions such as the Fine Arts Work Center, Campus Provincetown, Norman Mailer’s Writer’s Colony and others, there are several options to explore your creative side and set a new path for expression.

2. Create a culinary calendar. From fine dining to beach side takeout, Provincetown offers something for all culinary tastes, no matter if it’s New Year’s Eve or the Summer Solstice. Whether you need to start the morning with a cup of hometown coffee or end the day with an eclectic nightcap, Provincetown has something for every taste. And, in the summer, a farmers’ market on Ryder Street provides all the ingredients for a homemade dinner at home with friends. Plan a unique culinary experience in Provincetown each month for a memorable 2013.

3. Expand your exercise options. From January through December, Provincetown provides incredible options for exercising and outdoor activities. Bird watchers have access to 40 square miles of protected woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and salt marshes. Trails along the Cape Cod National Seashore Park give hikers an opportunity to interact with 250 species of bird and waterfowl. Bicyclists will enjoy incredible views, whether roaming through the streets of Provincetown or riding along the breathtaking Province Lands Trail.

4. Meet same sex singles, couples and families. The U.S. Census Bureau says there are more gay and lesbians per capita in Provincetown than any other city in America. Over the years, several popular events have been created that attract the LGBT community at certain times of the year. Check the Provincetown Tourism Office website for details on events for men, such as Fourth of July, Bear Week and Mates Leather Weekend, and events for women such as Girl Splash and Single Women’s Weekend. And families won’t want to miss Gay and Lesbian Family Week held each summer. And, don’t be surprised to see a Pedi cab rolling down commercial street to the applause of onlookers who can resist a good wedding, same sex or otherwise.

5. Get historical. Provincetown is known as "America’s First Destination" because the Pilgrims first landed and stayed in Provincetown Harbor for about five weeks. It’s where they signed the historic Mayflower Compact. Since then, Provincetown has served as an important historical and cultural beacon for the United States. Located at the base of the Pilgrim Monument, the Provincetown Museum pays homage to the town’s fascinating history through featured exhibits.

6. Sail off for marine adventures. Provincetown is the closest port to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine habitat that is home to an amazing variety of marine life including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, deep-sea fish, and sea birds. Consequently, the area is a superior place to go whale watching. The Sanctuary’s website offers several options on how to learn more about marine life, including classes, apps and advice on diving in the area. Sailing lessons, boat rentals and kayaking also are available directly in Ptown.

7. Celebrate how fun diversity can be. There is always an air of optimism in one of the most accepting communities on the planet. Here all types, shapes, genders, ethnicities and ages mingle together in a global dance of honoring the good life. Provincetown is like nowhere else. Here, activities that might be considered risk-taking elsewhere, define Ptown’s routine. Let your hair down or don a wig. Laugh until your sides split or enjoy poetry reading. Look around you and appreciate others in a place where everything and everyone is important and no one or anything is too important.

Regardless of whether you adopt any of these lucky 7 resolutions, visitors to Provincetown are encouraged to make their reservations early to kick off the New Year. For a complete listing of activities, visit the Provincetown Business Guild website at www.ptown.org to learn of places for dance parties, karaoke, yoga and other December events.

Also, consider these special holiday options in December:

The Outer Cape Chorale and Chamber Singers perform "Sondheim!" at 7 p.m. on December 7 and 8 at Provincetown’s Town Hall. The 130-voice community chorus is under the direction of the acclaimed Jon Arterton, who founded the internationally renowned gay a cappella group, "The Flirtations." The concert is a benefit for the Red Cross and Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Admission is free, but a goodwill offering will be collected.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum hosts its 7th Season of Winter Jazz with Bart Weisman on December 22 at 2 p.m. Weisman is a member of the Klezmer Swing, which will perform a holiday concert and release its latest music disc.

Your credit cards are as bloated as your waistline, and the endless gray days of winter have your Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) on overdrive. What’s a girl (or guy) to do? With a few quick fixes, you can survive the winter.